Coalition to host economic planning session

The community is invited to gather at 6 p.m. on Sept. 26 at 118 East Central Street in downtown Harlan to learn about ongoing work in the old Belk building and help create a plan for economic growth across Harlan County.

The event is hosted by a coalition that includes COAP, Inc., The Harlan County Community Foundation and the Appalachian Program at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

The event is focused on planning for the long-term use of the old Belk building and developing ideas for creating vibrant and thriving neighborhoods throughout Harlan County.

The event will feature time for brainstorming, conversation with outside consultants, a report from Carrie Billett on an ongoing community engagement project to gather ideas for economic development across the county and an update from Robert Gipe and Blake Enlow about the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant recently awarded to the SKCTC Appalachian Program to develop an innovative series of training programs in hospitality, technology, construction and other emerging sectors.

Billett says, “We hope that this will be an event where neighbors can be encouraged by the work that is already happening and join together to share energy and resources and build future collaborations.”

For more information, contact Billett at 717-517-1485 or CarrieBillett@icloud.com.